If you are looking for a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with contrasting flavors and textures, this Watermelon Salad with Feta, Red Onion, and Mint Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together juicy, sweet watermelon, the tangy creaminess of feta, the sharp bite of red onion, and the cool freshness of mint for a salad that’s both simple and delightfully sophisticated. Perfect for warm days or as a stunning side at your next gathering, this salad will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a critical role in creating that perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and fresh flavors, along with a beautiful array of colors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need to make this spectacular salad come to life.
- Watermelon: Choose a ripe, juicy watermelon for the sweetest base that complements the other ingredients.
- Spanish red onion: Thinly sliced to add a mild, crunchy bite without overpowering the salad.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds the perfect tanginess to balance the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and seasoning the salad perfectly.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Brings a luscious richness and helps meld all ingredients together smoothly.
- Fresh mint: Roughly chopped to infuse the salad with bright, refreshing herbal notes.
- Danish feta cheese: Crumbled into medium pieces for creamy saltiness and a lovely textural contrast.
- Whole mint sprigs: Used to garnish, adding visual appeal and an extra minty aroma.
How to Make Watermelon Salad with Feta, Red Onion, and Mint Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit and Onion
Start by peeling the watermelon and cutting the flesh into bite-sized pieces. Be sure to remove and discard any seeds so every bite is pleasant and refreshing. Then, peel and halve the Spanish red onion, slicing it thinly to ensure its sharpness is gentle enough to complement the other ingredients.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar with salt and pepper. Whisk this mixture until the salt dissolves completely—that’s key to a smooth dressing. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil, whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Stir in the roughly chopped fresh mint, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This dressing is what brings everything together beautifully.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, red onion slices, and crumbled Danish feta cheese. Pour the dressing evenly over the salad and gently toss to ensure every piece is coated with that delicious tangy-mint vinaigrette. Finish by garnishing with whole mint sprigs for a pop of color and fragrance.
How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta, Red Onion, and Mint Recipe
Garnishes
A sprig of fresh mint on top adds an inviting aroma and bright green color, making the salad as beautiful as it is flavorful. For an extra touch, consider sprinkling some pomegranate seeds or toasted pine nuts to add more texture and a hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a stand-alone dish on a hot day but also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb. It’s an excellent contrast to smoky or spicy mains, bringing a refreshing coolness that balances heavier flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve the salad in a vibrant, shallow bowl or arrange it on a platter lined with fresh mint leaves. You can also layer the watermelon and feta in clear glass jars for a trendy, portable summer snack that looks stunning at picnics or casual parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. The flavors meld beautifully overnight but expect the watermelon to release some juice, so give it a gentle toss before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. The high water content in watermelon will cause it to become mushy and lose its appealing texture once thawed.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. Enjoy it straight from the fridge or at room temperature for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta’s salty creaminess pairs perfectly with watermelon, you can experiment with fresh mozzarella or goat cheese for a milder or tangier variation.
Is it necessary to remove the watermelon seeds?
Yes, removing the seeds ensures each bite is smooth and pleasant. Seedless varieties make this step easier, but if you’re using seeded watermelon, take the extra time to de-seed carefully.
How important is fresh mint in this salad?
Fresh mint is crucial as it adds a bright, cooling flavor that elevates the entire dish. Dried mint won’t deliver the same vibrant freshness, so try to use fresh leaves.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
You can assemble it a few hours ahead but avoid making it too far in advance to keep the watermelon crisp. Storing the dressing separately and tossing just before serving helps maintain the best texture.
What dressing alternatives work well for this salad?
While the red wine vinegar dressing is classic, a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a light balsamic glaze can also enhance the flavors beautifully depending on your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
This Watermelon Salad with Feta, Red Onion, and Mint Recipe is a brilliant celebration of fresh, simple ingredients combining into something truly spectacular. It’s effortless to make yet bursting with vibrant flavors that excite the palate. If you want to impress friends or enjoy a sensational side dish yourself, this salad is sure to bring smiles and refresh your taste buds. Give it a try and savor every juicy, tangy, minty bite!
Print
Watermelon Salad with Feta, Red Onion, and Mint Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (as a side)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant watermelon salad combining juicy watermelon, crisp red onion, tangy red wine vinegar dressing, fresh mint, and creamy Danish feta cheese. Perfect as a light side dish for warm weather or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 kg / 2 lbs watermelon, cut into bite size pieces, seeds removed
- 1 small Spanish red onion, finely sliced
- 75 g / 3 oz Danish feta cheese, crumbled into medium size pieces
- Whole mint sprigs, to garnish
Dressing
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh mint, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the watermelon and onion: Cut the flesh from the watermelon and slice it into bite-sized pieces, removing and discarding all seeds. Peel and halve the red onion, then thinly slice it to ensure it blends well into the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the salt is fully dissolved. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing. Add the roughly chopped fresh mint and taste; adjust seasoning if needed.
- Toss the salad: In a large bowl, combine the watermelon pieces, sliced onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with whole mint sprigs for an extra fresh touch. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Remove seeds carefully to avoid bitterness in the salad.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper in the dressing based on your taste preference.
- Use fresh mint for the best aromatic flavor; dried mint is not recommended.
- This salad is best served fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.
- Can be served as a refreshing side dish or a light summer snack.
